Working with children, teens, parents, and families requires a multifaceted approach. Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles a person can take on, and sometimes, the experiences our children face in this ever-changing world can feel difficult to navigate alone. At Moments Therapy, we offer a supportive therapeutic alliance for families, helping to facilitate open communication and providing practical strategies through family therapy.
Parenting and Family Therapy
What Family Therapy Addresses
- Communication Problems
- Marital Problems
- Financial Issues
- Cross Generational Differences
- Parenting Struggles
- Family Blending
- Divorce Recovery
- Addictions
- Families Outside of the Norm
- A Better Understanding of Healthy Boundaries
- Learn about Family Patterns and Dynamics
- Deeper Empathy for One Another
- Better Problem Solving Skills
- Reduced Conflict
- Reduced Overall Stress
- Bridge Gaps with Isolated Family Members
Approaches Used
- Family-based Behavioral Treatment
- Functional Family Therapy
- Multidimensional Family Therapy
- Multisystemic Therapy (MST)
Parenting Therapy
Every child responds differently to life changes. Some events that may impact a child or teen’s mental health include:
- The birth of a sibling
- The death of a loved one, such as a family member or a pet
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Poverty or homelessness
- Natural disaster
- Domestic violence
- Moving to a new place or attending a new school
- Being bullied
- Taking on more responsibility than is age-appropriate
- Parental divorce or separation
Teens And Relationships
Research shows that 35% of teens have some experience with dating or relationships, with nearly one third of that group reporting being sexually active. Studies also indicate that one in three teens in relationships will experience some form of abuse from a partner. Dating and intimacy-related abuse can increase the risk of mental health struggles, self-harm, and suicide.
Food And Eating Issues In Children And Teens
Social pressures and stress can contribute to disordered eating in teens, affecting people of all genders, though studies suggest it impacts close to 10% of young women in the United States. Anorexia and bulimia are among the most common forms. Left unaddressed, disordered eating can seriously harm both physical health and self-esteem, and in severe cases can lead to malnutrition, heart disease, self-harm, or worse.
As a parent, staying attuned to your teen's relationship with food is important. Be mindful of how you speak about food, nutrition, and body image in their presence, and actively encourage a healthy and positive mind-body relationship. If you notice patterns of disordered eating, approach the conversation with care and compassion, and work together to find the support they need.
Teen Substance Abuse
Substance use in teens can begin as a response to trauma, past abuse, or exposure to a parent or caregiver's behavior. While experimentation is common during adolescence, it can quickly develop into unhealthy patterns with lasting, lifelong consequences. Research highlights the extent of this issue: 17% of high school students reported drinking alcohol before age 13, 39% reported using marijuana at least once, and nearly half of students who had smoked cigarettes had already tried to quit.
Recognizing the early signs of addiction is key, as the sooner it is addressed, the more effective treatment can be. If your teen is showing signs of substance use or dependency, seek professional help right away.
Signs Of Depression In Teens
- Running away
- Participating in illegal activities
- Drug use
- Failing school: If this is the only problem, tutoring is a start, but talk to the guidance office as well. If there are other problems and this is just a symptom, seek counseling for your teen.
- Sexual acting out
- Self-harm/cutting
- Changes in friends or activities—especially if the friends are into drugs or other illicit activities.
- Eating problems: Have you noticed your teen not eating, overeating, or has she shown signs of purging after a meal?
- Inappropriate anger: Aiming angry feelings towards you or exhibiting violent behavior is cause for great concern.
- Increasing defiance
- Significant changes in mood or behavior
Healthy families start with understanding, connection, and support — and you don’t have to do it alone. Book a Family Counselling appointment to begin your family’s journey toward growth and harmony.
